Architectural gem opens in Fes

In July, The View from Fez reported on progress at Dar Bensouda (see the article here). We're pleased to announce that renovation is now complete, and the house has opened as a guesthouse this week.

From looking like this only a few months ago ...

Dar Bensouda courtyard July 2009 (photo: Suzanna Clarke)

... it now looks like this:

December 2009

Well-known Marrekchi hotelier and renovator par excellence, Abdellatif Ait Ben Abdullah, has been careful to retain as much of the original decoration as possible, resisting the urge to replace worn mosaics or paint faded plasterwork. His diligence has paid off. Not that it's all finished yet; there'll be a garden and pool come summer.

There are a number of bedrooms ranging in price from Dh916 to Dh1838 (in high season), all with beautifully-appointed bathrooms and air-conditioning/heating. The restaurant is open to all, not just guests, and will be a welcome addition to fine dining in the medina.

plasterwork, carved and painted doors, and mashrabiya (wooden trellis work)

New Year Celebrations
If you'd like to see the house but are not staying there, the restaurant will be open on new year's eve and will feature Sufi music til dawn. Here's the menu:

Welcome cocktail
Assorted Moroccan salads
Stuffed briouates
Chicken pastilla
Tanjia Marrakech-style
Chocolate pastilla with dried fruit
Mint tea or coffee with honey pastries
1/2 bottle of wine and water

Cost per person: Dh850

the central fountain reflects the columns

Bookings for dinner: Mahmoud +212 535 638 949; for accommodation: Fez Riads

Photos: Catherine Bendayan